Authentic Indian Chicken Biryani - A Flavorful Step-by-Step Recipe

Chicken Biryani is a beloved and aromatic Indian rice dish, renowned for its complex flavors and fragrant spices. This one-pot meal combines tender chicken, long-grain basmati rice, and a carefully curated blend of spices to create a dish that is both hearty and indulgent. Perfect for special occasions or a satisfying family dinner, Chicken Biryani offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes that showcase the rich culinary traditions of India.

Chicken Biryani has its roots in the Mughal era of India, where it was traditionally prepared for royalty and nobility. The dish evolved from Persian pilafs, adapting to local Indian ingredients and spices over time. Originally made with lamb, biryani gradually incorporated a variety of proteins, including chicken, beef, and seafood. The rich history and regional variations of biryani reflect its evolution through centuries, making it a staple of Indian cuisine. Today, Chicken Biryani is celebrated worldwide for its distinctive flavor and aromatic appeal, often enjoyed during festivals, celebrations, and family gatherings.

Ingredients:

1- 2 cups basmati rice

2- 4 cups water

3- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast (or with bone), cut into bite-sized pieces

4- 1/2 cup plain yogurt

5- 1 large onion, thinly sliced

6- 2 tbsp. vegetable oil

7- 1 tsp. cumin seeds

8- 2 bay leaves

9- 1 cinnamon stick

10- 2 cardamom pods

11- 2 cloves

12- 1 tsp. turmeric

13- 1 tsp. cumin powder

14- 1 tsp. coriander powder

15- 1 tsp. garam masala

16- 1 tsp. salt

17- 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro leaves

18- 2 tbsp. chopped mint leaves

19- 1 tbsp. ginger garlic paste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

2. Cook the Spices: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Sauté Onions: Add the sliced onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.

4. Cook Chicken: Add chicken pieces and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.

5. Add Spices and Yogurt: Stir in ginger-garlic paste, and cook for 2 minutes. Add yogurt, turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.

6. Combine Rice and Chicken: Add the drained rice to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the spice mixture.

7. Cook Biryani: Add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.

8. Rest and Serve: Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and garnish with chopped cilantro and mint leaves before serving.

Notes:

- For added flavor, you can include vegetables like carrots and peas.

- Adjust the spice level to your preference by modifying the amount of spices used.

Nutrition Value:

1. 2 cups basmati rice

  - Calories: Approximately 320 per cup  

  - Carbohydrates: 70g  

  - Protein: 6g  

  - Fat: 0.5g  

  - Sodium: 0mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Small amounts of B vitamins, including thiamine and niacin  

  - Minerals: Contains trace amounts of magnesium, iron, and phosphorus  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Basmati rice is a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy and some essential nutrients. Its low fat content makes it a light option for meals.

2. 4 cups water

  - Calories: 0  

  - Carbohydrates: 0g  

  - Protein: 0g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Sodium: 0mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: None  

  - Minerals: None  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Essential for cooking rice and maintaining hydration in the body, water has no calories or nutrients but is vital for all bodily functions.

3. 1 lb. boneless chicken breast (or with bone), cut into bite-sized pieces

  - Calories: Approximately 165 per 3.5 oz (100g)  

  - Carbohydrates: 0g  

  - Protein: 31g  

  - Fat: 3.6g  

  - Sodium: 74mg  

  - Cholesterol: 85mg  

  - Vitamins: B vitamins, especially B6 and niacin  

  - Minerals: Contains phosphorus, selenium, and zinc  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Chicken breast is a lean protein source, supporting muscle growth and repair. It's low in fat and rich in essential nutrients for immune function and metabolism.

4. 1/2 cup plain yogurt  

  - Calories: 75  

  - Carbohydrates: 6g  

  - Protein: 4g  

  - Fat: 4g  

  - Sodium: 60mg  

  - Cholesterol: 15mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin B12 and riboflavin  

  - Minerals: Calcium and phosphorus  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Yogurt is a good source of probiotics, aiding in digestion. It's also rich in calcium and protein, contributing to bone health and muscle repair.

5. 1 large onion, thinly sliced

  - Calories: Approximately 60  

  - Carbohydrates: 14g  

  - Protein: 1g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Sodium: 5mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin C  

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and manganese  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Onions are known for their antioxidant properties and can support heart health and immune function.

6. 2 tbsp. vegetable oil

  - Calories: 240  

  - Carbohydrates: 0g  

  - Protein: 0g  

  - Fat: 28g (mostly unsaturated fats)  

  - Sodium: 0mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: None  

  - Minerals: None  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Vegetable oil provides essential fats that help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and maintain healthy skin.

7. 1 tsp. cumin seeds

  - Calories: 8  

  - Carbohydrates: 1g  

  - Protein: 0.4g  

  - Fat: 0.4g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and C  

  - Minerals: Contains iron, magnesium, and calcium  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cumin seeds aid in digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties, along with a rich mineral content that supports bone health.

8. 2 bay leaves

  - Calories: 5  

  - Carbohydrates: 1g  

  - Protein: 0.1g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Sodium: 0mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin A  

  - Minerals: Contains trace amounts of iron and magnesium  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Bay leaves are aromatic and add flavor to dishes. They may also aid digestion and have some antioxidant properties.

9. 1 cinnamon stick

  - Calories: 6  

  - Carbohydrates: 2g  

  - Protein: 0.1g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Sodium: 0mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin K  

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and iron  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its potential to help regulate blood sugar levels.

10. 2 cardamom pods

  - Calories: 5  

  - Carbohydrates: 1g  

  - Protein: 0.2g  

  - Fat: 0.1g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C  

  - Minerals: Contains manganese, iron, and magnesium  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cardamom aids digestion and has antioxidant properties, supporting overall health.

11. 2 cloves

  - Calories: 4  

  - Carbohydrates: 1g  

  - Protein: 0.1g  

  - Fat: 0.2g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin K  

  - Minerals: Contains manganese and calcium  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cloves have antioxidant properties and are known to help with digestion and boost immune health.

12. 1 tsp. turmeric

  - Calories: 9  

  - Carbohydrates: 1.8g  

  - Protein: 0.3g  

  - Fat: 0.2g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C  

  - Minerals: Contains manganese and iron  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits in improving joint health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

13. 1 tsp. cumin powder

  - Calories: 8  

  - Carbohydrates: 1g  

  - Protein: 0.4g  

  - Fat: 0.4g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and C  

  - Minerals: Contains iron and magnesium  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cumin powder aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory effects. It's also a good source of iron, supporting healthy red blood cell production.

14. 1 tsp. coriander powder

  - Calories: 7  

  - Carbohydrates: 1.4g  

  - Protein: 0.3g  

  - Fat: 0.2g  

  - Sodium: 2mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin C  

  - Minerals: Contains iron and magnesium  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Coriander powder helps in digestion and has antioxidant properties. It is also a source of dietary fiber and promotes healthy digestion.

15. 1 tsp. garam masala

  - Calories: 8  

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5g  

  - Protein: 0.4g  

  - Fat: 0.3g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin A and C  

  - Minerals: Contains iron and calcium  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garam masala, a blend of spices, provides anti-inflammatory benefits and aids in digestion. It's also rich in antioxidants.

16. 1 tsp. salt 

  - Calories: 0  

  - Carbohydrates: 0g  

  - Protein: 0g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Sodium: 2300mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: None  

  - Minerals: Sodium  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Salt is essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function but should be consumed in moderation due to its potential effect on blood pressure.

17. 2 tbsp. chopped cilantro leaves

  - Calories: 1  

  - Carbohydrates: 0.1g  

  - Protein: 0.1g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: High in vitamin K  

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium and manganese  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cilantro is a rich source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It supports digestion and helps detoxify the body.

18. 2 tbsp. chopped mint leaves  

  - Calories: 2  

  - Carbohydrates: 0.4g  

  - Protein: 0.1g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and C  

  - Minerals: Contains small amounts of calcium and iron  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Mint leaves support digestion and have antioxidant properties, helping to freshen breath and improve overall health

19. 1 tbsp. ginger garlic paste

  - Calories: 15  

  - Carbohydrates: 3g  

  - Protein: 0.5g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Sodium: 1mg  

  - Cholesterol: 0mg  

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and some B vitamins  

  - Minerals: Contains potassium and manganese  

  - Nutritional Benefit: Ginger garlic paste has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It aids digestion and boosts immune health.